Allison m



A. M. MACFAHLAND. VSHEET moms MACHINE. i APPLICKHMI HLEU APS. I2. IQIG A. M. MMARLAND. snee fowme meme. APIVUCATIII FILED API. 12.1916.

` Patentdhug. 19,1919.

6 SHEITI-SISEIT 2.

I6 W Wi: /0

A. lM. MACFARLAND.

sHiET FOLDING M4AcHmf. APPUCATION FILED APR. l2. |916 1,313,71 3. 99991991999 19, 1919. 7 (i SHEETS-SHEET 3- Fg. 7 ff 7J l g5 v7J I Q fof 9v ff ff, U f y. 6. /f

A. M. MACFAHLAND.

SHEET FOLDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 11911.12. |915 1 ,3 13,71 3. Patented Aug. 19, 1919.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

A. M. MMFARLAND.

SHEET FOLDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED APR. I2. |9I6 1,31 3,71 3. Patentd Aug. 19, 1919. y s sains-sneer s.

JZ do' zo 697// Innen/aff A. M. MAcEARLAND. SHEET FOLDING MACHINE. y Arnlcmon 'msu An. 1'2. ma.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALLISON Il. MLUFAIBLAND, 0F BUFFALO, IFEW YORK, ASBIGNO T0 LEO H. KOEN, 0F BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

SHEET-FOLDING MACHINE.

Specilloation of Letters Patent.

Petersen am 19.19.19-

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, ALLIsoN M. MACFAR- LAND, a citizen of the United States, residing at Buffalo in the county of Erie and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Sheet-Folding Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to machines for folding sheets of textile and other material.

The objects of the invention are to produce a foldin mechanism which is capable of folding s eets of different lengths midway between their ends; also to provide a machine in which a plurality of these mechanisms are arranged to fold a. sheet a number of times; also to provide a machine of this kind which is so constructed as to receive and fold sheets of material as they are discharged from an ironing machine or other device; alsoto provide a folding mechanism which is adapted to operate on various grades or kinds of textile material without wrinkling the same; also to provide a timing mechanism which will cause a sheet of any iength 'to be folded at any desired distance between the en-ds of the sheet; also to provide a machine of this kind which is divided into sections which may be o erated together when the sheet to lee lfolded is of the full width of the machine, or separately if a plurality of narrow sheets are fed simultaneously to the machine; also to improve machines of this kind in other respects hereinafter specilied.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1..'is a longitudinal sectional elevae.

ol i

tion of a sheet f the invention. Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof shown partly in section and havin parts of the second foldin mechanism omitted. y,

Fig. 3 is a agmentary sectional elevation thereof on line 3 3, Fig. 2, 011,941 lilar Scale, showing a timing or center finding mechanism. f'

Fig. 4 is a top p'llan view of the timing or center fndin mec anism. Y

Fig. 5 is a etached elevation of one ofthe traveling feeder actuating devices of the timin mechanism.

ig. 6 is a central sectional elevation, on an enlarged scale, on line 66, Fig. 3.

ng machine embodying Figs. 7 and 8 are views showing one ofthe feeder actuating devices, the parts of the device being shown 'in different positions in the two views.

Figs. 9 and 10 are fragmentary, sectional elevations on line 9 9, Fig. 2, showing one of the feeding members in different positions.

Fig. ll is a diagrammatic view showing the electrical connection for one of the timingr mechanisms of the folding machine.

ig. 12 is an end view of the folding machine embodying the invention.

Fi 13 is a diagrammatic view showing the e ectrical connections Ibetween two sections of the folding machine and the timing `,devices therefor.

Fig. 14 is a fragmenta sectional plan view of a folding machine aving a timing mechanism of alternative construction.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional elevation thereof.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view thereof, showing one of the feeder actuating devices of the alternative construction.

Fig. 17 is a detailed to plan view thereof showing the magnet and olding arm of the feeder actuating device.

Fig. 18 is a sectional `elevation thereof on line 18--18, Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of a cam and stop for holding the feeder actuating devices.

T-he frame on which the parts of they foldn machine are mounted may be of any suitab e construction, that shown including upand..,bottom...members 22 and,23, and. inter-- mediate members 24 connecting the top and bottom members. Y

The folding machine is especially adapted for use in laundries for folding sheets, towels and other flat articles, and is preferably arranged in o erative relation to an ironing machine or ot er device (not shown) in such a manner that the sheets to be folded are fed directly from the ironing machine to the folding machine without requiring any handling. In the construction shown in the drawings, the sheets pass to the folding machine over a plate 25 and upon the upper run of a carrier which may consist of a plfurality of endless tapes, belts or the like 26 which, in the construction shown, are spaced apart and pass over rolls 28 and 29 suitably journaled on the frame of the machine. The upper runs of the tapes 26 may be supported intermediate of their ends by supporting rollers 30.

While the sheet is passing along the upper runs of the tapes 26 1t is engaged by folding means of an suitable construction, which, in the embo iment of the invention shown, comprise a feeding member which engages the sheet on the line along which it is to be folded, which may, for example, be midway between the ends of the sheet, and moves it between two sets of coperating folding tapes or belts. In the construction shown for this purpose, two cooperating folding rolls .32, 33 are arranged above the tapes 26 in such a manner that a sheet on the tapes 26 may be moved upwardly and between the two rolls by means of a feeder or feeding member 34 arranged below the upper run of the tapes 26. The feeding member shown consists of a bar or rod 35 having a plurality of projections or teeth 36 adapted to enter between the tapes 26the upper end of each tooth being provided with a point or folding edge 37, see Figs. 9 and 10, which moves the sheet to be folded between the folding rolls 32 and 33. The feeder may be moved toward and from the foldin rolls by any suitable means, for example, e bar 35 may be mounted on an arm 3S pivoted at 39 and adapted to be swun about its pivot by means of a solenoid 40 avin a core 41 attached to the arm 38. When t e solenoid is energized the arm 38 will be swung about its pivot to bring the feedin member into the position shown in Fig. 1 in which the sheet will enter between the folding rolls 32 and 33.

Tapes 45 and a belt 46 Vare preferably i provided which pass over the folding rolls 32 and 33 and between which theeheets are folded. The .tapes 45 ass over a drivin roll 47 and over the olding roll 33 an an idler roll 48, and the belt 46 asses over a dri-ving roll 50, an idler roll 5 the folding roll 32, a folding roll 52, and is in engagement with the tapes 45 as they pass over the roll 48. The upper runs of the ta 45 constitute a support for the once v fo ded sheet from which the sheet can be engaged by a feedin device 53 similar in construction to the feeder 34 for folding the sheet for the second time. The feeding device 53 passesbetween the belt 46 and another -set of tapes 55 passing over the folding roll 52 and a coperating roll 54 res ectively. The ta s 55 also pass over a dii-ving roll 56 ah an idler roll 57. If desired, another set of .folding devices similar to those shown in connection with the tapes 26 and 45 may be used for folding the sheet for the third time as it passes over the upper run of the tapes 55.

The folded sheet passes over the upper run of the tapes 55 and is discharged to an inclined plate or table 58 from which it is removed from the machine. In case it is desired not to fold a sheet, it will p-ass over the upper run of the tapes 26 and to an inclined plate or table 59. Any other desired arrangement of the tapes and the folding rolls may be provided in which the sheet to be folded is carried from one set of folding rolls to another and removed from the machine.

Any suitable means, such as a sprocket wheel 60 and a sprocket chain 61, may be employed for transmitting movement to the tapes 26, the chain 61 being preferably driven from the ironing machine or other device from which the sheets are delivered to the folding machine, so that the tapes are driven at the same speed at which the sheets are discharged from the ironing machine. The other tapes or belts may `be driven in any suitable manner. For example, the roll 50 may be driven by means of a s rocket chain 62 from the shaft on which y e roll 28 is mounted, and a chain 63 is shown'connecting the shafts on which the rolls 50 and 56 are mounted. The roll 47 may be driven from the roll 56 by means of a crossed belt ,64.

In the operation of the machine the sheet passes over the upper runs of the tapes 26 until the line along which the sheet is to be folded, which may be midway' between theV ends thereof, is dlrectly over the points of the lingers of the feeding member. The feeding member is then actuated and the fingers enter into the spaces between the tapes 26 and move the center of the sheet into enga ment with the tapes 45 and the belt 46. he sheet is then folded in two parts and is drawn upwardly away 4from the tapes 26 and passes along the upper runs of the tapes 45. When the middle of the folded sheet is over the points of the fingers of the feedin member 53, this member moves the centra portion of the folded sheet upwardly between the tapes 55 and belt 46 `and the sheet is then againv folded in the same manner as heretofore described, and when the sheet arrives on the upper runs of the ta es 55 it is folded in two places, so that, 1f the feedi ,members are actuated so as to fold the eets substantially midway between their ends, the sheets will be folded into four parts. As many additional feeding members and folding tapes or rolls as may be desired can be added if the sheet is to be folded more than twice.

By means of the construction described the sheets are supported by the tapes so that the machine is capable of operating on textile material of any kind, no matter how loosely woven or flexible the same may be.

` they yThe sheet is sup at the desired point,

orted by the tapes in such a' manner that t e folding'operation causes no wrinklingof thesheets.

The folding mechanism described maybe actuated b any su'table means for the urpose of e ecting the folding o f the s eet p such, forbexample, as the center of the sheet. In the construction shown, this is-accomplished by automatic means actuated by the sheets themselves as ass into the folding state these automatic tuning means may include a member which moves at the same s eed as, or` at a speed which ,bears a definite .ratio to, the speed at which the sheet to be folded passes through the machine, and a second or proportional member which operates at lfalfthe speed ofthe first mentioned'member if it 1s desired to fold the sheet in half, or at an other ratio to the s eed of the rst mem er, depending upon t e ratio of the distance from the end of the sheet to the line on which the sheet is to be folded to the len h of the sheet. The timing means also inc ude a member or device which actuates the foldin mechanism, for example b actuating the eedin mem ber, -'and whic is connected with t e roportional member when the front en `of the sheet reaches a certain point on the folding machine, and which remainsin engagement with the proportional member until the rear end of the sheet passes this point on the folding machine, at which time the folder or feeder-actuating member is attached 'to the r'st or full-speed member and moves therewith to contact points which are arranged at a distance from the starting point corresponding to the distance from the point at which the sheet enters the machine to the'pgint .above the fingers of the feeding 'me r. en the contact points are connected by the feeder actuating member, a circuit is completed through the solenold or magnet at t actuat' the same. A timing mechanism is provi ed for each folding member and since all of the timing mechanisms are substantially alike, only the mechanism which is shown for controllingthe folding mem-- i ber 34. will be described Vin detail.

l In the construction of the timing mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 13, the full `s referred to, to which the feeder actuating member is ada ted to be connected, are in the form of w eels 65 and 66 respective] and are rotatably mounted on a fixed sha 67 .secured onbrackets 68 mounted on the frame ofthe machine. The two-,wheels are preferably. driven 'by suitable sprockets '69 and 70 secured thereon and connected by means of chains to sprocket wheels 71 and 72 respectively, which are mounted on a countershaft 73 journaled at the front end machine. Brieiy j or mem e folding member forl and proportional members or carriers a cve;

4point andlis denergized when the end of the sheet.

of the machine. The sprocket wheels 69 and 70 are preferably removably1 secured on the wheels 65 and 66 so that e speeds of these wheels may be varied as desired.

The countershaft 73 is driven from the roll 28 by means of a sprocket chain 74:. The several sprocketV wheels are so proportioned that the proportional wheel 66 is driven at half the speed of the full speed wheel 65 if it is deslred to fold the sheets in half.

7 5 re resents a feeder actuating device r which is frctionally mounted on the full s eed wheel 65 in any suitable manner and y means of which the folding mechanism is caused to act on the sheet to be folded. In the construction shown, the feeder actuatin member hasa part straddling the perilieral portion of the wheel and a' friction shoe 76 which is yieldingly pressed against one face of the wheel 65 by means of the sprin `77 arranged in a spring housing 78 secure on the feeder actuating member 75. The friction shoe 'causes the feeder actuatin member to move with the high spee wheel unless engaged by a Ystop which holds the feeder actuatingmember in the starting position, or unless the feeder actuating member is operatively connected with ,the proportional wheel in which cases the friction shoe will slide on the face of the wheel 65. 79

represents a key or gpide secured on the feeder actuating mem er and engagin in an annular lgroove in the full speed w eel 65 to' hold t e feeder actuating member on the wheel.

The feeder actuating member is provided with an arm 80 having a 'contact' piece 81 mounted thereon and insulated therefrom. This contact piece is adapted to connect two contacts 82 and 83 suitablymounted on the frame of the machine and thereby complete a circuit throu h the solenoid or nia' net 404 which causes t e actuation of the fee er 34. Any suitable means may be employed for causing the feeder actuating member to move with the proportional wheel 66while a sheet is assin a given point at the receiving en of t e machine. In the construction shown *this is accomplished by ,means of an electromagnet 84 forming a 'The poles of the magnet are arranged in close proximity to the roportional wheel .66 so that when the coil is energized the feeder actuating device adheres to the wheel 66 and travels with the same, causing the friction shoe 76 to slide on the face of the wheel65. p.

The coil 85 is energized when the front end of a sheet to be-folded reaches a certain at the receiving end of the machine,

-ceiving end of or moved out of contact by means of a sheet passin into the machine, and which is interl rupte when these two members are in contact. l The contact disks 87 and 88 are mounted on suitable shafts journaled in the frame of the machine adjacent to the receiving end A thereof and are so arranged that the sheet to be folded passes between the contact disks. Suitable driving gears 89 may be provided for rotating the disks so their peripheral speed will be the same as the speed of the s eet to be folded. The free passage of the sheet along the upper runs of the. tapes 26 is therefore not interfered with by the contact disks,

Any suitable means ma be emplo ed for energizing the magnet coi s when e contact disks 87 and 88 are moved out of engagement. An example showin how this may be accom lished `is disclose diagrammatically in ig. 11, inwhich'one of the two contact disks or wheels 87 and 88 is, connected by means of a conductor 90 to onei terminal of a battery or other' source of power 91. The other terminal is connected y means of a conductor 92 to a magnet coil or solenoid 93 from which a conductor 94 connects with the other contact disk. Thel coil 93 is provided with a core 95.which connects two contacts 96 and 97 when no current passes through the coil 93 owing to the separation of the disks 87 and 88 by a sheet to be folded, and which, when the circuit through the battery 91 and coil 93 is comlete by the engagement of the contact isks 87 and 88, is held out of engagement with the contacts 96 and 97. The contact 96 is connected 15o one' terminal of a batte 98, the other terminal of which is grounde The contact 97 is. connected by means o f conductors 100 and 101 to a contact segment 1.02 from which the vcurrent is 'adapted to pass through the insulated contact piece 81 secured on the end of the arm 80 of the feeder actuating member 75. From the contact'piece 81 current passes through a conductor to one terminal of the magiet coil 85, the other terminalof the coil being grounded. Bry' means of the connections described the ma et coil 85 of the feeder a\ctuating member 5 will be energized when the contact disks 87 and 88 are moved out of.

en gement by a sheet passing into the machle. The feeder actuating member is therefore held in engagement and moves with the pro rtional memberl 66 as long as the contact digi): 87 and-88 are out of engagement. As'soon as these disks again contact owing to the of the sheet be lyondythe contact dighe, the current passing e machine, are separated y 'actuatin nais ofthe coil of an electro throigh the magnet coil 85 ,will be interru t so that the feeder actuating member .wi again travel with the full speed Y wheel 65.

These means are preferably constructed as follows:

The feeder actuating member 75 is provided with a holding arm which is pivyotedfthereon at 111 and whichis' normally swung outwardly from thefeeder actuating' member by means of a sprin 112. The pivoted holding arm is rovid at its end with a projection or hoo 113 which, whenV the arm is swung outwardlyJ is adapted to engxlige with a stop 114 suitablyv arranged on t e frame of the machine to hold the feeder actuating member 75- in its start` position, the friction shoe 76 slid' on t e f ace of the wheel 65` while the fee er actuating` member is so held. The pivoted arm 11 i has a part extending adjacent to the magnet coil 85 so that when this coil is ener ed owing to thepassing of a sheet to be olded between the contactdisks 87 and 88, the `pivoted'arm is drawn toward the -m t coil causing the hook 113 to Ibe move out of engagement with the stop 114, thus permittin the feeder actuatin member to move wit the'proportional w eel.y

Since the distance between the contact disks 87 and88 and the point at which the sheet is folded is great enough to accommodate several short sheets at one time, it is desirable to provide more'than one feeder member. In' the construction shown, ee ofthese members are provided. When the first member moves out of the position in which it is held -by the Stop 11d,

the second member moves forward to take its place. Means are rovided for preventing more than one o the feeder actuatin vmembers to be moved from the initial position by a single sheet passing between the contact disks 87 and 88. For this purpose a. second segment 115 is provided, which is insulated from the segment 102, and the two segments are so connected with the source of current that vthe supply of. current to the segment 115 is interrupted as soon as the Aof the machine, insulation 117, F' 6, being a between the bracket an V'the segments. For this p ose the conductors 160 l and 101 are conne to the oppositetermibranch Acmiductor 121 f the' conductor l100` connects with a movable ntact member or ist et 120. A

' l the holding arm,110 from causing the feeder actuating member to ad- 122 arranged in prciimity to the magnet 120 and normally held out 0f engagement with the magnet -by means of a spring 123 or other' means. This springmoves the pivoted 4arm 122 into.l engagement with a xed contact 124 so that current from the conductor 100 tpasses through the branch conductor 1 21, the riiired contact 124, and a conductorV 125 115 ofthe contact` e movable contact arm 122,

yleadin to 'thel segment ring .w en no current is drawn from the contact. segment 102. By means of this construetion thecurrent ypaseos from the contact seg-y ment'llo to the magnet coil fofthefeeder actuatiri member, causing the releasing o thestop 114 and .y vhere to the proportional wheel- 66. As soon as this device is moved Afar enough to cause the contact piece 81 thereof to engage vthosegment 102, the current passes fiom t e .conductor 100 through the coil of t e magnet 120 and throu h conductor 101, contact piece 81,and con uctor `105fto the magnet coil ,85. r[his energizes the. electromagnet .,120 and causes the pivoted contact arm 122 tobe drawn toward the' magnet, thus Ybreaking the contact with the fixedv contact 124.

Consequently as long as the circuit to the magnet coil Bois completed throu vh the seg# ment 102, no 'current will'pass to t e segment 115, so that the second feeder actuating device when moving into the initial position in which it engages the segment '115, can receive no current as longasthe ow ofcurrent to the first'rfeeder actuating-device from and 88.

'the segment 102' is not interrupted, and the supply of currentto'nlthe segment 102 is notA interrupted until the .sheet which caused the actuation of the r'st feeder actuating deviceY passes out .from between the contact a nonteref shea Sheets relied in quick succession to the folding machine, the contact se nts 102 and 1'15may`be connected with the battery or sourcel of current '98 several .times during the time that the first feederlactuatmg member eng es with -v thisl segment. Means' of any suita le conactuatin' member from receivingenergizing current rom the segments 102 and 115.1nore.

struction are provided to prevent any feeder than `once during the engagement ofthe feeder actuatingl member therewith. In the 'embodimentl of the invention shown in the.

drawings, the following construction isomployed for "this purpose The condu tact piece 8`1 of the feeder actuating member is divided into two parts, one 'art terminat.

member 130,. bemg secured on and insulated from.th`e feeder actuating member 75, and the other.l

ing in a fixed contact or swi part of the conductor-105 being connected with Va 'cooperating movable switch mouiller l inwardly to place the energizin tor 105 leedingfrom the con-'A or contact- 131 `mounted on the pivot'ed holdmembers are so arranged that when the energizin'g current in the magnet coil 85 is interrupted, releasing the holding arm 110, the s ring 112 pushes the holding arm out- .ward y to such an extent esto separate the two switch members.

As the feeder actuating members are moved into the starting position, the arm 110 is pushed intoa sition to cause the switch members 130 andm 131 to be moved into engagement, the switch memberS -bein preferey can ably somewhat elongated so that f -beplaced into electrical connection before ing arm 110 ,and insulated therefrom. These the' pivoted arm 110 is in its innermost po`` A sition, shown in Fig. 7, in which position the feeder actuating device is released from the stop 114. The means employed in the construction shown for moving the switch members into en agement att the starting point lof the fee er actuating devices consists Iof a cam or guide`132 arranged in such a manner that the pivotedholding arm 110 `of each feeder actuating device will be en- Iactuating member to move with the propor- -tional wheel 66. Consequently, if the segments 102 andI 115 are connected with `the circuit more than once durlng Voo the magnet l the time t e contact piece 81 of any feeder only the feeder actuating member which is vin the initial or start-l m'gposition will be energized, since the circuit from the contact member 81 to. the magnet of all, the other feederV actuating. membersv will be broken by the. separation ofY the switch members 130 and 131. Any other" 'means may* be employed for -this purpose .if

desired.

-In the operation the sheet in passing between the contact dlsks 87 and 88 causes a feeder actuating member which is in the starting position to be magnetically `held by the proportional wheel and 'to travel therewith until the end ofthe sheet has passedv beyond the contact disks, .so

rthat thesame are in engagement.. The en-' gaging of the two contact disks causes the oder wctuatin hel on the -full 'speed wheel and'to 'travel with 'the-full speed. wheel totdat reaches of the foldingmachine, i

` actuating member 1s 1n contact therewith,

-, the magnet coil 85 of ins I memberto be released from" lthe roportiona wheel and to be f1 "ictional1y.-

iso

at any other proportional s de d um contacts s2 and sa The clos' of these contacts energizes the magnet co1 40 and causes the feeding member 34 to press the center of the sheet between the cooperating righery of the full speed disk respective e the feeder actuat' device trave s with the proportional whee it travels at a speed whlch bears the same ratio to the speed of the sheet assing into the machine as the ratio of the istance from the end of the sheet tothe point at which the sheet is to be folded bears to the length of the sheet. Consequently, when the end of thev sheet has passed the contact disks, assumingthat the pro rtional wheeltravels at half the of t e full eed wheel, the feeder actuating device w have traveled a distance pr'oportionalto half the length of the shee and while' traveling with the full wheel it maintains this relative position. Consequentlyv the feeding member 34 will be actuated whenl the lenter of ahny sheet, regardless o its engt is over t e ints of the lingers of the feeding membenpoThe contact se ent 102 termlnates approximately at e contact members 82 and 83 so that the feeder actuating member cannot again become connected with the energizing current until it is in its starting position. n The actuation of the second feeding member 53 is accom lished by a timing device substantially li e the timing device clescribed except that the wheel 135l thereof, see Fig'. 12, which corres Vonda to the proportional wheel 66 of t e timing mechamsm described, will be driven at one quarter of the s of the wheel if it is desited to fo d the sheet in equal parts 'o1'.

1n upon howthe sheet is to fdld y Th feeder actuating memabers 136 of the second -timing device will be energized b the breakin or making of the contact tween the di 87 and 88, as ydescribed inthe timing mechanism for the feeding member 34. The contacts of the second timin mechanism by means of which the second eedingmember 53is actuated and which corres nds to the contact members 82 and 83 of tioned mechanism will be spaced at a distance from'the starting point ofthe feeder actuating devices proportional to the distance' traveled by the sheet to be folded in passing from the contact disks 87 and 88 to a point above the feeding member 53. In

case a. third feeding mechanism or device is used, the timi mechanism therefor would be the same as t e two described except that speed wheel, and t efirst menmiams the slow speed or proportional wheel would travel at another proportional speed, 4for example at one-ei hthrthe speed of the full at the two contacts corresponding to theV contacts 82 and 83 would be spaced -at a terfdistance from the startmgpoint o the feeder actuating devices 75, corresponding to the distance be-r tween the contact disks 87 and 88 .and the fingers oi.A the third feeding member. In the same manner any number of additional 'foldin` members and timing devices may be provi ed.

In order to enable a, 4folding machine of this kind to fold all the sheets ras they are fed from the ironing machine, itis desirable to dividethe feeding members into two or more 'sections which are capable ofl being actuated together in case a wide sheet extending substantiall .throu hout the width 0f the machine is to' fold and which act separately when a number of narrow sheets are passed through `the machine side by side. In t e construction shown, the feeding member 34 is divided `into two similar sections,

see Fi .-2 and 12, and a second set of contact disls 1'40 and 141 corresponding to `the disks 87 and 88 is provided, each set being ada ted to actuate its own section of the fee ing member independently of the other section. In order to cause the twosections of the feeding member to be actuated simul' taneously, in case a wide sheet passes through the machine, the electrical connec- Atiene shown diagrammatically in Fig. 13

may be emplo ed although other means may be used for t is purpose, if desired. The

two sets of contact disks 14:0, 141 and87, 88

are adapted to actuate two` timing devices, which, or sake of convenience, are designated in Fig. 13 as 142 and 143 respectively. These timing devices control ,the o eration of the two sections or feeding mem rs 144' and 34 respectively. In case the wide sheet passes through the machine, it is desirable to control the actuation lof the two' sections or feeding For this purpose a switch'146 is rovided in the circuit of one of the sets o contact disks, for example, the set 87, 88, and 'when members by means of .oneof the 't Y sets of contact disks and 'one timlngdevice.

of these magnets will be energized when the contacts of the timing device 142 are connected by a feeder actuating member of this device. The two switches 146 andt147 `foractuating the feeding members of the are preferably connected together by any folding machine are shown in Figs; 11i-,i9 inclusive. In the construction shown 1nv these figures, the timing mechanismV ismounted on a frame or suport 160 which may, if desired, be detac ed or separate from the frame of the folding machine. The

timing devices are represented .by wheels ordisks 167 and 168 rotatably mounted on the shaft 165 and driven from the eountershaft 161 by 'means of chains 169 and 170. 172

.represents feeder actuating members, each of which comprises an arm 174 having an enlarged or disk portion 175 which is rotatab y 'mounted on the' shaft 165. The feeder actuating members are preferabl Vmade of' ber or other insulating materia .The disk portion 175 of each of the feeder actuatin means is arranged between friction dis 176 splined 4on the shaft 165 and pressed by means of a spring 177 against a collar-178 securedon the shaft. By means of this construction the feeder factuating members move with the shaft 165 unless held in ltheir initial osition b means of a stop 180 correspon ing to ty e stop 114, shown in the construction first described, er unless held in enga ment with the ropor.- tional member. e stop 180 in t e construction `shown is pivoted at 181 on the frame of the machine land is yieldingly held b means of a spring 182 against a ixed pin or art 183. The s ring182 is o'f such.

strengt as 'to hold t e feeder actuating members a ainst the friction of the disks, but when t e feeder actuating members are connected with the proportlonal member the stop 180 is swung about its 4pivot against theaction of the spring and permits the feeder actuating member to move with the proportional member.' i

In this alternative construction the connection of the feeder actuating member with the pro rtional' member is also accom,

plished" 51 means of an electromagnet, yand the electrical connections between the parts are substantially thesame as described in electromagnet mounted on the arm 174 of the feeder actuating member and arranged in 'close proximity' to the proportional member. Current is transmitted to the electromagnet by means of a contact 186 `mounted on' the arm 174 and eontactinfgwith segments 18,7 and 188 which are mounted on a' plate or table 190 secured on the frame v161'?.

185 representsl :in

means of a conductorC 19]` with a switch member 192 mountedA on an arm 193 pivoted at 194 on' the magnet 185, see Figa-16, 1,7 and 18. The-switch member 192-is adapted to connect withswitch members 195 to close a vcircuit through the electromagnet 185 when the arm 193 isin its "lowersition` in which position the arm 193 is hel by the magnetism of the 'electromanet 185 .when the' same is excited. When t e iiow of cur' arm 193 is moved b means of a spring '196 into a position in w ich the. switch members 192 and`195 are out of contact. When a yThe 'contact member `186 'is connected bya I k -rent to the electromagnet is interrupted, the l feeder l actuating member approaches the starting 'position the Iann-193 thereof. engages a cam 198 which moves the arm 196 downwardly against the action of the sprin 196 to connect the switch members 192 an 195.

.'The actuation of the feeding member' of the folding mechanism is accomplished in lthe same manner as in the first 'construction' described.' For-this purpose a circuit closing spring or contact 200 is mounted on the arm 174 and connects two contacts 201 and 202, which completes a, circuit through the' Electomagnet actuating the; feeding memer. n Y

The operation of the timing mechanism shown in Figs. A14e-19 inclusive is as follows: i

4The rotation ofthe shaft 165 moves the first'of a series of feeder actuating members into the starting positionin engagement .los

with the stop 180. The member remains in this position until the magnetI 185 is ac'- tuated by the passing of a -sheet between the 'contact disks 87- and 88, which causes the.

feeder actuating member, to move'with the proportional member until the end of -the time as to fold the sheet at the line along .which the fold is desired, and it is alsonot intended to limit the invention to the particular form of folding mechanism shown, since folding mechanisms of other construction could be employed inconnection with the timing mechanism embodying the invention.

I claim as my invention: 1. The combination of Ya mechanism for the folding sheets of differentv l and mechanism controlled by the lengthqof the sheets for Vtiming the actuation o the folding mechanism to cause the folding 4mechanism to lfold sheets of diiferent qlengths at ydiil'erent distances from the ends of the sheets proportional to the lengths of the sheets. Y

2. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of folding means, means for placin a sheet intooperative relation to said fol means, and means for actuatin said -be fol ed is in operative relation tothe folding member, the operation of said actuating means being controlled by the length of the sheet to be folded.'

3. In a Ysheet folding machine, the combination of a foldin device, meansfor cans- Lig the travel of eet's,v of different lengths ative to the foldin device, 4actuating means for the folding evice automatically controlled by the lengths ofthe, sheets withf out manual adjustment for timing the op` meanscontrolled by the sheets to be olded and having a movable member connected vnatit'ln of folding devlces,

with .said moving means for'actuatingsaid moving means to feed a sheet tosaid folding 40 devices.

5. In a. sheetfoldihg machine, the combi- 4 g means m operative relation to said folding devices for feeding sheets to said foldingmeans, and electroma etic Ymeans controlled by the sheets to A folded and having a.l movable part'connected withV said feeding means for actuat'- theV same' to feed sheets to said folding evices. 1 e

6. In a ss'ah'eetfolding macnme, the combi-Vv nation of a traveling carrier for-the sheet to be folded, folding means arranged adjacent to the path of movement of the carrier, and means for actuating said foldin means when the' part of the sheet to be fol ed is in operative relation to the folding means, the operation of said actuating means being controlled by the length o the sheet to be folded.

7. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a movable carrier/on which the sheet to be folded is supported folding devices arranged in operative re ationV to the carrier, a member for moving a portion of the sheet from said carrier .into engagement meanswhen thepart of the s eet to with said folding devices, and means for actuatingl said' member when the part of the sheet-to be folded is in operative relation to the folding mmber,"the. operation of said' actuatin .means be' controlled by the length o the sheet to be folded.

8. The combination, of a mechanism for folding sheets of different lengths and timing mechanism controlled by the lengths of the sheets to be folded for causing the-actunism controlled By the length of the sheets for timing the actuation of the folding mechanism to cause' the folding mechanism to fold sheets of different lengths at differs ent distances from theends of the sheets proportional Ato' the lengths of the sheets, and means en said fol mec anism to cause the actuation of sai timin mechanism.

10. In a sheet fo ding machine, thecombination of folding means for a sheet, and timing mechanism controlled by the length of the sheets passing into the machine and causing the fo ding means to be actuated to fold each sheet' at a distance from one end thereof, said distance bein a redetermined fraction of the len h of t e s eet.

11. In a sheet fo dingmachine, the combination of a movable carrier on which the sheet to be folded is supported, folding means arran `d in'proximlt to theV path of movement o the can'ier, an timing mecha- ,nism controlled by the length of the sheets to be folded for actuating said folding means to cause each sheet to be folded at a, distance from one end thereof proportional to the length of the sheet.

' 12.' In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding device, means for causing the travel of sheets of dierent lengths relative to the folding device, actuating means for the folding device, mechanism operating automatically without manual adjustment for timing the operation of the folding deviceto cause sheetsfof different len hs to be folded at' distances from the en s of the sheets, which distances arc'corresponding fractional portions of the lengths of the several sheets. v

13. In a 'sheet folding machine, the combination of folding means 'for sheets, timing mechanism adapted to actuate Ving means and comprising a movable actuating member,'means operated by tlie sheets passing through the machine and controlled by the lengths of the sheets for controlling y e movement of 'said movable member, and means controlled by said movable member for actuating said folding means to cause and foldb a sheet While passing to I each sheet to-be folded at one end thereof which bears a definite fixed relation to the length of Athe sheet.

14. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of folding means for a sheet, timing mechanism adapted to actuate said folding means and comprising a member movable at a speed bearing a definite proportion to the rate of movement of a sheet toward the folding means while said sheet is passing a particular point, means for causing said member to move at a differenty speed proportional to the speed of the sheet after said sheet has passed said point, said member causing the actuation of said folding' means when reaching a definite point of its movement, whereby sheets of different lengths will be folded at points located at definite distances from their ends relative to the lengths of the sheets.

15. The combination of a sheet folding mechanism, means engaged by the sheet While passing a fixed point in its movement to said folding mechanism, and timing mechanism controlled by said means for causing the -actuation of said folding mechanism to fold sheets of different lengths at predetermined distances from the ends thereof, said distances having a definite fixed ratio to the lengths of the sheets.

16. The combination of a sheet folding mechanism, electrical contacts past which the sheet moves and which are engaged by the sheet While passing by said contacts on its way to said folding mechanism, and timing mechanism controlled by said contacts 'for actuating said folding means to cause sheets of different lengths to be folded at a distance from one end thereof bearing a predetermined ratio to the length of the sheet.

17. The combination of a sheet folding mechanism, electrical contact members which are normally in contact and which are separated by aV sheet passing Yto said folding mechanism, and a timing mechanism placed into operation by the separation of said contact members and actuating said folding mechanism to cause sheets of different lengths to be folded each at a distance from one end thereof bearing a definite ixed ratio to the length of the sheet.

18. The combination of va sheet folding device, means for bringing a sheet into operative relation to said folding device, controlling means past which the sheet moves and which are actuated by the opposite ends of a sheet in passing to said folding device, 4

and an actuating member operatively connected with said controlling means and having means causing the sheet to be fed from said carrier to said folding device when a part .of the sheet to be folded is in operative relation to the folding device.

19. The combination of a sheet folding device', means by which the sheets are a distance from e has a part engaged by a sheet passing to said folding device and which is actuated in accordance with the length of the sheet for controlling the operation of said timing mechanism.

20. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheets are brought into operative relation to said folding device, and a timing mechanism coinprising a part past which the sheet moves and which is engaged by a sheet while passing to said folding device, and a movable folder actuating member, the movement of which is .controlled by said part engaged by the sheet and which is operatively connected with and controls the operation of said folding device for folding sheets of different lengths in predetermined proportions 'to their lengths without manual adjustment of the folding device.

21. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheets are brou ht into operative relation to said folding evice, and a timing mechanism comprisin a part engaged by a sheet passing to said folding device, a plurality of movable members, a folder actuating member movablewith said members, means controlled by said part engaged by the sheet for operatively connecting said folder actuating member with one or another of said movable members, and means actuated by said folder actuating member for causing the actuation of 'said folding device.

22. In a sheet foldin machine, the combination of a carrier or the sheets to be foided, a folding device arranged in operative relation to Isaid carrier and including folding members and a feeding member which moves the portion ofthe sheet to be folded from said carrier to said folding members, a timin mechanism operatively connected with sai feeding member for actuating the same, and means controlled b the lengths of the sheets passing to said fol ing device for controlling the action of said timin mechanism. Y

23. n a sheet folding machine, the combination of a carrier for the sheets to be folded, a folding device arranged in operative rela tion to said carrier and including folding members and a feeding member which moves the portion of the sheet to be folded from said carrier to said folding members, a timing mechanism, means controlled by the len hs of the sheets passing' to said folding device for controlling the operation of sai timing mechanism, and electromagnetic means connecting said timing mechanism `andV said feeder member for actuating' said member. \Y

24. In a sheet folding mach'ne, the combination pf a folding device including fold` ing members and a feedin member which moves the' ortion of the slgeet to be folded to said fol ing members, timing mechanism, including a part which is movable to cause the actuation of said sheet feeding member, and electrical contact devices actuatedl by the passing of a sheet to said folding device and connected with said timing device for controllin the operation thereof to cause sheets to e folded in proportion to their lengths without requiring manual adjustment of the machine.

25. In a sheet foldin machine, the combination of a carrier or the sheets to be folded, a folding device arranged in operative relation to said carrier and including folding members and a feeding member which moves the portion of the sheet to be folded from said carrier to said folding members, timin mechanism having a movable member, e ectrical contact devices actuated by the assing of a sheet to said folding device and connected with said timin device for controlling the operation thereo an electromagnet for actuating said feeder member, aniconnections between said movable member of the timing mechanism and ls)aid magnet for actuating said feeder mem- 26. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheets to be fo ded are brou ht into operative relation to said foldin evice, timi mechanism, means contro ed by the lengt s of the sheets assing to said folding device for contro ling the operation of said timing mechanism, and connections between said'timing mechanism and said folding device for actuating said folding device.

27. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheets to be folded are brou ht into operative relation to said folding evice, timing mechanism, means controlled by the lengths of the sheets passing to said fo ding device for controllin the operation of said timing mechanism,

an electrical means controlling the operation of said folding device and actuated by said timing mechanism.

28. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheets to be folded `are brought into operative relation to said folding device, timin mechanism including a movable member, e ectrical contacts actuated by the o pposite ends of a sheet Fassing to said foldmgidevice and electrical y connected with sai timing mechanism for controlling the operation of the same, and `electrical means connecting said movable member of the timing mechanism and said folding device for actuating said folding device.

29. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheetsto be folded are brought into operative relation to said folding device, timing mechanism including a movable folder actuating member, means actuated by the opposite ends of a sheet passing to said folding device for controlling the movement of said folder actuating member, and means adapted to be actuatedby said folder actuating member and connected with said folding device for operating the same.

30. The combination ofa sheet foldin device, means by which the sheets to be fo ded are brought into operative relation to said folding device, timing mechanism including a movable folder actuating member, a plurality of movable members with which said folder actuating member is adapted to move, means engaged by a sheet passing to said folding device for causing said folder actuating member to move with one or another of said movable members, and means adapted to be engaged by said folder actuatmv member during its movement to actuate said foldin device.

31. he combination of a sheet folding device, means b which the sheets tol be folded are broug t into operative relation to said folding device, timing mechanism including a movable folder actuating member, a lurality of movable members with which said folder actuating member is adapted to move, electrical contacts engaged by a sheet passing to said foldin evice, electrical connections between sai contacts and said folder actuating member for operatively connecting said ,member with one or another ofsaid movable members, and means adapted to be engaged by said folder `actuatm member durmg its movement to actuate sai foldin device.

32. he combination of a sheet foldin device, means by which the sheets to be fo ded are brou ht into operative relation to said folding evice, timing mechanism including a movable folder actuating member, a plurality of movable members with which said folder actuating member is adapted to move, electrical contacts engaged by a sheet passing to said folding device, electrical connections between said contacts and said folder actuating member for operatively connecting said member with one or another of said movable members, an electromagnet for actuating said folding device, and electrical connections between said folder actuating member and said electromagnet for causing the actuation of said magnet.

33. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheets to be folded are brou ht into o rative relation to said folding evice, timmg mechanism including a movable folder actuating member, a plurality of movable members with which said folder actuating member is adapted to move,

electrical contacts en aged by a sheet passing to said folding device, electromagnetic means for connecting said folder actuating member with one of said movable members, connections between said contacts and said electromagnetic means, m ns for causing said folder actuating-menig; to move with another movable member when said electromagnetic means is denergized, and means controlled by said folder actuating member for actuating said folding device.

34. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheets to be folded are brought into o erative relation to said folding device, timing mechanism including a movable folder actuating member, two members movableV at diiferentspeeds, means actuated by a sheet in passin to said folding device to cause said fo der actuating member to move with one of said movable members, frictional means for causin said folder actuating members to move wit said other movable member when disconnected from said first mentioned movable member, and means controlled by said folder actuating member for actuating said folding device.

' 35. The combination of a sheet folding device, means by which the sheets to be folded are brou ht into operative relation to said folding evice, timing mechanism including aI movable folder actuating member2 a plurality of movable members with which said folder actuating member is adapted to move, electrical contacts en aged by a sheet passing to said folding evice, electromagnetic means for connecting said folder actuating member with one of said movable members, connections between said contacts and said electromagnetic means, frictio'nal meansfor causing said folder actuating member to move with another of said movable members when released from said first mentioned movable member, and means controlled by said Vfolder actuating member for actuating said folding device. i

36. The combination of a sheet folding device, means b which the sheets to be fo ded are bron ht into operative. relation to' said folding evice, timing mechanism including a movable member, means engaged by a sheetpassing to said foldin device for controlling the operation of said timing mechanism, an electromagnet for actuating said folding device, connections between ,said timing mechanism and said electromagnet, and means actuated b the movable member of said timing device for closing a circuit throu h said electromagnet.

37 e combination of a sheet folding deare brou ht into operative relation to said foldin evicge, timing mechanism includin a fol er actuating member, a plurality o vice, means by which the sheets to be folded movable members with which said folder actuating member is adapted to move, electrical contacts en ged by a sheet -passing to said folding device, electromagnetic means for connecting said folder actuating member with one of said movable members, connections between said contacts and said electromagnetic means, frictional means for causing said folder actuating member to move with another of said movable members when released from said first mentioned movable member, an electromagnet for actuating said folding device, connections between said timing mechanism and said electroma net, and a circuit adapted to be closed by said timing mechanism to actuate said electromagnet.

38. A timing device for sheet folding mechanisms comprisin a member which travels at a definite spee proportional to the speed of travel of a sheet to the folding ymechanism, a second member which moves at a predetermined proportionately slower speed than said first mentioned member, aV

folder actuating member, a device past which said sheet travels, means ontrolled by said device for causing the f er actuating member to travel' with said slow speed member while the sheet travels past said device and then causing said folder actuating member to travel with said other member to a fpredetermined point for actuating said fol ing mechanism.

39. A timing device for sheet foldin mechanisms comprising a member whic travels at a definite speed proportional to the speed of travel of a sheet tothe folding mechanism, a second member which moves at a predetermined proportionately slower speed than'said first mentioned member, a folder actuating member, a device past which the sheet travels and which is operatively connected with said folder actuatin member to cause the same to travel with sai slow speed member while the sheet travels -past said device, and means for causing said folder actuating device to travel with said other member to a predetermined point for actuating the folder mechanism.

40. A timing device for sheet folding mechanisms comprising a member which travels at a definite speed proportional to the speed of travel of a sheet to the folding mechanism, a second member which moves ing mechanism and actu-ated by said folder actuating member to cause the folding mechanism to o erate.

4l. A timing device for sheet folding mechanisms comprising a folder actuating device which is adapted to move at a definite speed proportional to the speed of travel of a sheet to the folding mechanism, a member which moves at a predetermined proportionately slower speed than the normal speed of said folder actuating member, a device past which said sheet travels, means controlled by said device for causin the folder actuating member -to travel wit said slow speed member while a sheet is moving past said device, and means arranged at a predetermined oint along the path of movement of saidj folder actuating member, said means being engaged by said folder actuating member to actuate said folding mechamsm.

42. A timing device for sheet folding mechanisms comprising a folder actuatin device which is adapted to move at a delinite speed proportional to the speed of travel of a sheet to the folding mechanism, a member which moves at a predetermined proportionately slower speed than the normal speed of said folder actuating member, a stop for holding said folder actuating member in a starting position, a device past which the sheet travels toward said folding mechanism, means controlled by said device for causing said folder actuating member 'to move from said starting position and to move with said slow speed member while the sheet travels past said device and then causing said folder actuating device to travel at said speed proportional to the speed of travel of the sheet, to a predetermined point for actuating said foldin mechanism.

43. In a sheet fol mg machine, the combination of a folding mechanismand a timing mechanism comprising two members one of which moves at a predetermined proportionately slower speed than the other member, a folder actuating member ada ted to be connected with either of said mem ers for moving therewith, means engaged by a sheet passing to said folding mechanism and connecting said folder actuating member with said slow speed member while said means are engaged by a sheet, means for causing said fo travel with said neet-ed from said slow s eed member, and means controlled by sai folder actuating member to actuate said folding mechanism.

44. In a sheet foldin machine, the combination of a folding mec anism and a timing mechanism comprisin a folder actuating member which norma y remains stationary and which when released travels at a predetermined speed, a member which moves der actuating member to` other member when discon-` at a predetermined er actuating member,

means engaged by a sheet passing to said folding mechanism for connectm said folder lactuating member with sai slow speed member while said means are en ged by said sheet and for releasing said older actuating member when the sheet has passedsaid means, and means controlled by said folder actuating member to actuate said folding mechanism.

45. In a sheet foldinghmachine, the combination of a folding mec anism and a timing mechanism comprising a folder4 actuating member which is adapted to travel at a predetermined speed, a member which moves at a predetermined proportionately slower speed than said folder actuating member, a stop for releasably holding said folder actuating member in a starting position, means engaging a sheet passing to said folding mechanism, said means conneotin sai folder actuating member wit'h sai slow speed member and causing said folder actuating member to move from its starting osition, said folder actuating member being released from said slow speed member when the sheet has passed said sheet-engagin means, and means controlled by said fo der actuating member to lactuate said folding mechanlsm.

46. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism, and a timing mechanism comprisin a folder actuating member movable at different speeds, a stop for holding said folder actuating mem r in a starting position, means actuated by a sheet passin said folding mechanism for controlling t e movement of said folder. actuating member and for causing the same to leave said starting position, and means for causing said folder actuating member to actuate said folding mechanism.

47. In a sheet foldin machine, the combination of a folding mec anism, and a timing mechanism comprisin a folder actuating member which normal y remains stationary and which when released moves at a predetermined speed, a member which moves at a predetermined proportional slower speed than said folder actuating member, an electromagnet mounted on said folder actuatin member and arran ed in proximity to said slower speed mem r, means engaged by a sheet passing to said folding mechanism for energizing said magnet to cause said folder actuating member to move with said slow speed member, and means controlled by said folder actuating member to actuate said foldin mechanism.

48. In a sheet fo din machine, the combination of a folding mec anism, and a timing mechanism .comprisin a folder actuating member whlch norma 1y remams stationary naiavie in a starting position and which when released moves at a predetermined speeld, a member which moves at a predetermined proportional slower speed than said folder actuating member, an electromagnet mounted on said folder actuating member and arranged in proximity to said slower speed member, a stop for holding said folder actuating member in a starting positiommeans engaged by a sheet passing to said folding mechanism for ener izing said magnet and for causing said fol er actuating member to` move from said starting position with said slow speed member, and means controlled by said folder actuating member to actuate said foldin mechanism.

49. In a s eet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism and a timing mechanism comprisingua plurality of folder actuating members w ch normally remain stationary in a starting position and which when released travel around an endless path at a predetermined speed, a member which moves at a redetermined proportionately slower spee than said folder actuating member, a stop for holding said folder actuating members at4 a starting position, means-controlled by a sheet passing' to the folding mechanism for releasing said folder actuating members from said stop and causing the same to travel with said slow speed member while said sheet is in operative relation to said means, and means controlled by said folder actuating member to actuate said foldi mechanism.' f

50. In a s eet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanis and a timing mechanism comprising a fo der actuating member movable at different speeds, a stop for releasably holding` said member at a starting position, means actuated by a sheet passing to said folding mechanism for releasing said member from said stop, and means controlled by said folder actuating member for actuating said. folding mechanism.

51. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism and a timing mechanism ing member movable in an endless path, a stop in the path of movement of said memloer for releasably holding said member at a starting position, means engaged by a sheet passing to said folding mechanism for releasing said member from said stop, and means having a art arranged in said ath of movement and)'adapted to be engage by said folder actuating member for actuating said folding mechanism.

52. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism and a timin mechanism comprising a plurality of fo der actuating members movable in an endless path, means actuated by a sheet passcomprising a folder actuating to said folding mechanism for controlling the movements of said members, means arranged in the path of movement of said members and controlled by said members for actuating said folding mechanism, and a stop arranged in the path of movement of said members for releasably Vholding said members at a starting position.

53. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism and a timing mechanism comprising a folder actuating member movable at different speeds, a stop for releasably holding said member in a starting position, electrically operated means for causing the initial movement of said member, means engaged by a sheet passing to said folding mechanism for supplying current to said electrically-operated means, and means for causing said folder actuating member to actuate saidfolding` mechanism.`

54. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism and a timing mechanism comprising a plurality of folder actuating members movable in an endless path, a stop for releasably holding said members in a starting position, electrically-operated means mounted on said members for causing the initial movement thereof, means for supplyin electric current to said members including a starting contact member engaged by said folder actuating members when in the starting position, a second contact member engaged by said folder actuating members after leaving said starting position, means for interrupting the supply of current to said starting contact member when one of said folder actuating members receives current from said second contact member, and means for causing said folder actuating member to actuate said folding mechanism.

55. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism and a timing mechanism comprising a plurality of folder actuating members movable in an endless path, a stop for releasably holdin said .members in a starting position, electrically-operated means mounted on said members for causing the initial movement thereof, means for supplying electric current to said members includin a starting contact member engaged by said folder actuating` members when in the starting position, a second contact member engaged by said folder actuating members after leaving said starting position, a switch through which current passes to said starting Contact member, and electromagnetic means actuated by current passing to said second contact member for opening said switch when current passes to said second contact member, and meant for causing said folder actuating member to actuate said folding mechanism,

56. A timing mechanism for sheet folding machines, comprisiifirg a folder actuating member movable at di erent speeds, means for controlling the movement of said folder actuating member, including electrical means for causing movement of said mem` ber, a switch through which current passes to said electrical means, and means for causing the opening of said switch when the suply of current to said' electrical means is interrupted.

57. A timing mechanism for sheet folding machines, comprising a folder actuating member movable at different speeds, means for controlling the movement of said folder actuating member including electrical means for causing movement of Said member, a switch through which current passes to said electrical means, means for closing said switch when said member is in a starting position, and means for opening said switch when the supply of current to said electrical means is interru ted.

58. A timing mec anism for sheet folding machines' comprising a folder actuating member movable at different speeds, means for controlling the movement of said folder actuating member including electrical means for causing movement of said member, a current controlling device through which current passes to said electrical means, means for closin said current controlling device When sald member is in a starting position to permit current to ass to said electrical means, means for hol ing said current controlling device in closed position, and means for opening said current controlling device when the supply of current to said electrical means is interrupted.

59. A timing mechanism for sheet folding machines com rising a folder actuating member Inova` le at different s eeds, means for controlling the movement o said folder actuating member including electrical means for causing movement of said member and mounted on said member, a switch mounted on and movable with said folder actuating member and throu h which current passes to said electrica means, means for closing said switch when said mem'ber is in a startin position, and means for opemng said switc when the supply of current to said electrical means is interrupted.

60. A timing mechanism for sheet folding machines comprisi a folder actuating member movable at di erent speeds in an endless path, means for controlling the movement of said folder actuating member including electrical means mounted on said member and movable therewith, a switch through which current passes to said electrical means, a cam for closing said switch when said member moves to a starting posi folder actuatin tion, said electrical means holding said 6 switch closed when current passes to said electrical means, and means for opening said switch when the flow of current is interrupted.

61. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism, and a timing mechanism comprisin a folder actuating member which normalIy remains stationary in a starting position and which when released moves at a predetermined speed, a member which moves at a predetermined proportional slower speed than 4said member, an electromagnet mounted on said folder actuating member and arranged in proximity to said slower speed member, means for controlling the supply of current to said electromagnet for causing said folder actuating member to move with said slow speed member including a switch through which current passes to said electroma et, and means for openin said switch w en the liow of current to sald electromagnet is interrupted.

62. In a sheet folding machine, the combination of a folding mechanism, and a timing mechanism comprisin a folder actuating member Which normal y remains stationary in a starting position and which when released moves at a predetermined speed, a mem'ber which moves at a predetermined proportional slower speed than said folder actuatin member, an electromagnet mounted on said folder actuatin member and arranged in proximity to said slower speed member, means for controlling the supply of current to said electromagnet for causing said folder actuating member to move with said slow speed member including a switch through which current asses to said electromagnet, said switch eing held in closed position by said electromagnet when the same is energlzed, and means for opening said switch when the supply of current to said electromagnet is interrupted.

63. In a sheet foldin machine, the combination of means for rolding a sheet while moving through said ymachine, a timing mechanism for causing the actuation of said folding means, said timing mechanism comprising a folder actuating member adapted to move at -a definite speed proportional to the speed of` movement of the s eet, a proortional member which moves at a speed earin a fixed ratio to the speed of said actuating men" ber, said ratio being the same as the dlstance from the rear end of a sheet to the transverse line on which the sheet is to be folded is to the length of the sheet, means for causing said actuatin member to travel with said proportions member while the sheet is passing a given point on the machine, and means controlled by said folder actuating member for actuating said 

